US9167657B2 - Organic light emitting device - Google Patents

Organic light emitting device Download PDF

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US9167657B2
US9167657B2 US13/444,680 US201213444680A US9167657B2 US 9167657 B2 US9167657 B2 US 9167657B2 US 201213444680 A US201213444680 A US 201213444680A US 9167657 B2 US9167657 B2 US 9167657B2
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electrode
unit
light emitting
organic light
peripheral
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US20120293090A1 (en
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Sang-Hoon Yim
Ok-Keun Song
Young-Mo Koo
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Samsung Display Co Ltd
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Samsung Display Co Ltd
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
    • H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
    • H10K50/80—Constructional details
    • H10K50/805—Electrodes
    • H05B33/0896—
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/60—Circuit arrangements for operating LEDs comprising organic material, e.g. for operating organic light-emitting diodes [OLED] or polymer light-emitting diodes [PLED]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
    • G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
    • G09G3/20—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters
    • G09G3/22—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters using controlled light sources
    • G09G3/30—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B33/00—Electroluminescent light sources
    • H05B33/12—Light sources with substantially two-dimensional radiating surfaces
    • H05B33/26—Light sources with substantially two-dimensional radiating surfaces characterised by the composition or arrangement of the conductive material used as an electrode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
    • H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
    • H10K50/80—Constructional details
    • H10K50/805—Electrodes
    • H10K50/81—Anodes
    • H10K50/814—Anodes combined with auxiliary electrodes, e.g. ITO layer combined with metal lines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10K—ORGANIC ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES
    • H10K50/00—Organic light-emitting devices
    • H10K50/80—Constructional details
    • H10K50/805—Electrodes
    • H10K50/82—Cathodes
    • H10K50/824—Cathodes combined with auxiliary electrodes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
    • Y02B20/30—Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to/an organic light emitting device, and more particularly, to an organic light emitting device that provides uniform brightness.
  • An organic light emitting device generates a visible light from an organic material disposed between two electrodes when a voltage is applied to the electrodes.
  • the organic light emitting device is an emissive device and has Various advantages.
  • An organic light emitting device generates visible light having relatively uniform brightness when the organic light emitting device having a small area is formed.
  • the brightness characteristic of the organic light emitting device differs from region to region. Therefore, there is a limit to securing a uniform brightness characteristic of the organic light emitting device.
  • One aspect of the present invention provides an organic light emitting device that can readily secure a uniform brightness characteristic.
  • an organic light emitting device including: a first electrode formed over a substrate; an intermediate layer that is formed over the first electrode and comprises an organic light emitting layer; a second electrode that comprises a central electrode unit disposed in a central region and a peripheral electrode unit separated from the central electrode unit and disposed in a peripheral region, wherein the intermediate layer is disposed between the first and second electrodes; and a power unit configured to apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the power unit is configured to apply different voltages to the first electrode, the central electrode unit, and the peripheral electrode unit.
  • the power unit may be configured to individually control the voltages applied to the central electrode unit and the peripheral electrode unit and further configured to apply different voltages to the central electrode unit and the peripheral electrode unit.
  • the power unit may apply the voltage to the peripheral electrode unit before applying the voltage to the central electrode unit.
  • the first electrode may be formed as a single body.
  • the first electrode may be connected to electrode voltage application units and a voltage may be applied to edges of the first electrode.
  • the electrode voltage application units may be formed on the edges of the first electrode, respectively.
  • the power unit may be connected to the electrode voltage application units and configured to apply the voltage to the first electrode.
  • Edges of the central electrode unit may have curved portions.
  • the center of the first electrode may coincide with the center of the central electrode unit.
  • the center of the central electrode unit may coincide with the center of the peripheral electrode unit.
  • the organic light emitting device may further include an electrode voltage application unit formed to apply a voltage to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a recess portion recessed from a side of the first electrode, and the recess portion is formed to overlap the electrode voltage application unit.
  • the second electrode further may include at least an additional peripheral electrode unit separated from the peripheral unit, the peripheral electrode unit is disposed to surround the central electrode unit, and the at least an additional peripheral electrode units is disposed to surround the peripheral electrode unit disposed to surround the central electrode unit.
  • the power unit may be connected to the electrode units and configured to individually apply voltages to the electrode units.
  • the voltage applied to the first electrode unit may be higher than that applied to the second electrode unit.
  • the power unit may be configured to differentially control periods of time of application of the voltages to the electrode units.
  • the power unit may be configured to apply the voltage to the central electrode unit for a longer period of time than the peripheral electrode unit.
  • the period of time of application of the voltage to the first electrode unit is longer than that of the second electrode unit.
  • the centers of the electrode units may be formed to coincide with each other.
  • Edges of at least some of the electrode units may have curved portions.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a first electrode of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a second electrode of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic drawings showing voltage differences in regions of the first and second electrodes when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are graphs showing voltages applied to the first electrode and the second electrode by using a power unit.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a first electrode 110 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a second electrode 120 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 .
  • the organic light emitting device 100 includes a substrate 101 , the first electrode 110 , an intermediate layer 140 , the second electrode 120 , and a power unit 160 .
  • the second electrode 120 includes a central electrode unit 121 and a peripheral electrode unit 122 .
  • the substrate 101 may be formed of a transparent glass material that includes SiO 2 as the main component.
  • the substrate 101 according to the current embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be formed of a plastic material.
  • the plastic material that can be used to form the substrate 101 may be an organic material selected from the group consisting of polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethyelenen napthalate (PEN), polyethyeleneterepthalate PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide, poly carbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
  • the first electrode 110 is formed on the substrate 101 .
  • a buffer layer (not shown) may be formed between the substrate 101 and the first electrode 110 .
  • the buffer layer provides a planarized surface on the substrate 101 and inhibits moisture and foreign materials from penetrating into the substrate 101 .
  • the buffer layer may be formed of an insulating material.
  • the first electrode 110 is an anode electrode and may be formed of various conductive materials.
  • the first electrode 110 may include indium tin oxide (ITO).
  • the first electrode 110 is more practically depicted in FIG. 2 .
  • the first electrode 110 is not divided by a plurality of regions but is formed as one body.
  • the first electrode 110 has a shape similar to a square.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 110 may have a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, or a circular shape.
  • the first electrode 110 includes a groove shaped recessed portion 110 a on a surface thereof. That is, the recessed portion 110 a is a region where a voltage is not applied when the voltage is applied to the first electrode 110 , and thus, a visible light is not generated from the intermediate layer 140 corresponding to the recessed portion 110 a.
  • a first electrode voltage application structure includes at least an electrode voltage application unit 111 which is connected to the power unit 160 and is formed in the first electrode 110 to apply a voltage to the first electrode 110 .
  • the first electrode voltage application unit 111 and the power unit 160 are electrically connected to each other via electric wires.
  • Four electrode voltage application units 111 may be formed in side edges of the first electrode 110 as shown in FIG. 1 . Although one of the electrode voltage application units 111 and a first terminal unit 165 are illustrated to be connected to each other in FIG. 1 , each of the four electrode voltage application units 111 is connected to the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160 via an electric wire. An identical voltage is applied to the four electrode voltage application units 111 by using the power unit 160 .
  • the number of the electrode voltage application units 111 is not limited to four, and may be one or more.
  • the electrode voltage application unit 111 is connected to the first terminal unit 165 such that a common voltage is applied thereto.
  • a relatively low voltage may be applied to the center P of the first electrode 110 due to a voltage drop (IR drop) because the center P is the farthest point from the electrode voltage application units 111 . That is, since the voltage is applied from the sides of the first electrode 110 that is formed as a single body having a large area, a voltage which is relatively lower than that applied to regions adjacent to the electrode voltage application units 111 is applied to the center P located remotely from the sides.
  • IR drop voltage drop
  • the voltage drop may further occur, and thus, a voltage that is applied to the center P may be apparently lower than that applied to the side regions adjacent to the electrode voltage application units 111 .
  • the intermediate layer 140 is formed on the first electrode 110 .
  • the intermediate layer 140 includes an organic light emitting layer (not shown) that emits visible light when a voltage is applied through the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 .
  • the intermediate layer 140 may facilitate the transmission of charges, and for the effective generation of visible light, may include at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) or a plurality of layers.
  • HIL hole injection layer
  • HTL hole transport layer
  • ETL electron transport layer
  • EIL electron injection layer
  • the second electrode 120 is formed on the intermediate layer 140 .
  • the second electrode 120 is more practically depicted in FIG. 3 .
  • a second electrode voltage application structure 130 is connected to the second electrode 120 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 120 .
  • the second electrode 120 includes the central electrode unit 121 and the peripheral electrode unit 122 .
  • the peripheral electrode unit 122 includes a first peripheral electrode unit 123 , a second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and a third peripheral electrode unit 125 .
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and, the peripheral electrode unit 122 may be one or more than three.
  • the second electrode voltage application structure 130 includes a central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 , a first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 , a second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 , and a third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 .
  • the central electrode unit 121 is disposed in the center of the second electrode 120 .
  • the center P of the second electrode 120 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121 .
  • the center P of the second electrode 120 and the center P of the first electrode 110 are the same point.
  • the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 extends to reach a lower side of the central electrode unit 121 and is connected to the central electrode unit 121 .
  • the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the power unit 160 .
  • the power unit 160 may include a second terminal structure 167 connected to the second electrode voltage application structure 130 .
  • the second terminal structure 167 may include a plurality of connection terminal units 161 , 162 , 163 , and 164 for a one-to-one connection with the second electrode 120 .
  • the second electrode 120 includes the central electrode unit 121 and the peripheral electrode unit 122 that includes the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 .
  • the second terminal structure 167 may include the central connection terminal unit 161 connected to the central electrode unit 121 , and a peripheral connection terminal unit 166 connected to the peripheral electrode unit 122 .
  • the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the central connection terminal unit 161 of the power unit 160 such that the voltage is applied to the first electrode unit 121 by using the power unit 160 .
  • the first peripheral electrode unit 123 is disposed peripherally to the central electrode unit 121 to surround the central electrode unit 121 . Also, the first peripheral electrode unit 123 is separated from the central electrode unit 121 and the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 .
  • the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 In order to apply a voltage to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 extends to reach a lower side of the first peripheral electrode unit 123 and is connected to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 .
  • the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is electrically connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 of the power unit 160 .
  • the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 .
  • the center P of the first peripheral electrode unit 123 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121 .
  • the second peripheral electrode unit 124 is disposed peripherally to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 to surround the first peripheral electrode unit 123 .
  • the second peripheral electrode unit 124 is separated from the first peripheral electrode unit 123 and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 .
  • the second peripheral electrode unit 124 is separated from the central electrode unit 121 and the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 .
  • the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 extends to reach a lower side of the second peripheral electrode unit 124 and is connected to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 .
  • the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is electrically connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 of the power unit 160 .
  • the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 .
  • the center P of the second peripheral electrode unit 124 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121 .
  • the third peripheral electrode unit 125 is disposed peripherally to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 to surround the second peripheral electrode unit 124 .
  • the third peripheral electrode unit 125 is separated from the second peripheral electrode unit 124 and the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 .
  • the third peripheral electrode unit 125 is separated from the central electrode unit 121 , the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 .
  • the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 extends to reach a lower side of the third peripheral electrode unit 125 and is connected to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 .
  • the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is electrically connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 of the power unit 160 .
  • the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 , and the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 .
  • the center P of the third peripheral electrode unit 125 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121 .
  • the power unit 160 may individually control voltages applied to the central electrode unit 121 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 . Also, voltages different from each other may be applied to the central electrode unit 121 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 . For example, the power unit 160 may sequentially apply increasing voltages to the central electrode unit 121 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 , which will be described later.
  • the first electrode 110 has the recessed portion 110 a .
  • the recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 , the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 , and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 . That is, the recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the second electrode voltage application structure 130 that applies a voltage to the second electrode 120 .
  • a sealing member 150 protects the first electrode 110 , the intermediate layer 140 , and the second electrode 120 from external moisture or oxygen.
  • the sealing member 150 may be formed of various materials, and more practically, may be formed of a glass material or a plastic material. Also, even though the sealing member 150 is depicted to contact the second electrode 120 , the sealing member 150 may be separated from the second electrode 120 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic drawings showing voltage differences in regions of the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show an operation of the organic light emitting device 100 to generate a visible light from the intermediate layer 140 by applying voltages to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 .
  • the power unit 160 applies voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , and V 4 , respectively, to the central electrode unit 121 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 .
  • values of the V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , and V 4 are V 4 >V 3 >V 2 >V 1 .
  • the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the central connection terminal unit 161 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 , the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 , and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 so that the power unit 160 applies different voltages to the regions 121 , 123 , 124 , and 125 of the second electrode 120 .
  • voltages applied to each of the regions are depicted. More specifically, voltages VA, VB, VC, and VD are respectively applied to the central region of the first electrode 110 , that is, a region corresponding to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 , a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 .
  • the first electrode 110 is formed as one body, basically a uniform voltage may be applied to the entire region of the first electrode 110 when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 110 . This is particularly important since the electrode voltage application units 111 are disposed on edges of the first electrode 110 . However, in practice, since the area of the first electrode 110 is too large, a voltage drop (IR drop) occurs. Specifically, when a first portion of the first electrode is disposed farther from the electrode voltage application units 111 of the first electrode 110 than a second portion of the first electrode, the voltage drop at the first portion is greater than that at the second portion, and thus, the value of voltage at the first portion is smaller than that at the second portion.
  • IR drop IR drop
  • the levels of the voltages being applied to each of the regions of the first electrode 110 may vary, that is, the values of the voltages are in the order of VD>VC>VB>VA.
  • the first electrode 110 since the first electrode 110 includes ITO having a relatively high resistance instead of a metal having a relatively low resistance, the voltage drop in each of the regions of the first electrode 110 may more severely occur, and accordingly, the voltage difference between VA and VD may be apparently increased.
  • FIG. 6 shows voltage differences between regions of the first electrode 110 and regions of the second electrode 120 corresponding to the regions of the first electrode 110 .
  • a voltage difference between a voltage V 1 applied to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VA applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ⁇ VIA; a voltage difference between a voltage V 2 applied to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VB applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ⁇ V 2 B; a voltage difference between a voltage V 3 applied to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VC applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ⁇ V 3 C; and a voltage difference between a voltage V 4 applied to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VD applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ⁇ V 4 D
  • the voltage differences ⁇ V 1 A, ⁇ V 2 B, ⁇ V 3 C, and ⁇ V 4 D are controlled to be substantially equal to each other. In another embodiment, the voltage differences ⁇ V 1 A, ⁇ V 2 B, ⁇ V 3 C, and ⁇ V 4 D are controlled such that difference between two among the voltage differences ⁇ V 1 A, ⁇ V 2 B, ⁇ V 3 C, and ⁇ V 4 D is smaller than a predetermined value.
  • an organic light emitting device when an organic light emitting device is used as an illumination device, the area of a first electrode increases, and the voltage drop problem also increases. Therefore, it is not easy to secure a uniform brightness on an entire region of the organic light emitting device. Also, in order to address the voltage drop problem, an auxiliary electrode is additionally formed on the first electrode. However, problems of process complexity, process failure, increase in costs, and increase in the process time occur as well.
  • the organic light emitting device 100 although a voltage drop occurs in the first electrode 110 , since different voltages are respectively applied to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 , the first peripheral electrode unit 123 , the second peripheral electrode unit 124 , and the third peripheral electrode unit 125 , a uniform voltage drop between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be maintained over the entire region of the organic light emitting device 100 .
  • the recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the second electrode voltage application structure 130 . That is, different voltages are respectively applied to the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 , the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 , and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 , and thus, an abnormal light emission phenomenon occurs at a position corresponding to the second electrode voltage application structure 130 .
  • a voltage is not applied to the recessed portion 110 a through the first electrode 110 since the recessed portion 110 a is formed in the first electrode 110 . Therefore, light emission does not occur from the intermediate layer 140 , and as a result, an abnormal light emission is fundamentally blocked.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 are graphs showing voltages applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by using the power unit 160 .
  • the voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , and V 4 are outputs from the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160
  • the voltage VE is an output from the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160 .
  • the first terminal unit 165 and the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160 output the voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , and VE. More specifically, the power unit 160 may output the voltage VE in the first terminal unit 165 and apply the voltage VE to the first electrode 110 .
  • the voltage VE may be, for example, 7V.
  • the power unit 160 outputs the voltage V 1 in the central connection terminal unit 161 and applies the voltage V 1 to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 .
  • the voltage V 1 may be, for example, ⁇ 3V.
  • the power unit 160 outputs the voltage V 2 in the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 and applies the voltage V 2 to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120 .
  • the voltage V 2 may be, for example, ⁇ 2V.
  • the power unit 160 outputs the voltage V 3 in the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 and applies the voltage V 3 to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120 .
  • the voltage V 3 may be, for example, ⁇ 1V.
  • the power unit 160 outputs the voltage V 4 in the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 and applies the voltage V 4 to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120 .
  • the voltage V 4 may be, for example, 0V.
  • the power unit 160 may apply the voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , and VE to the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 simultaneously. Although a voltage drop may occur in the first electrode 110 , since the differential voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , and VE are applied to the second electrode 120 , the organic light emitting device 100 can secure uniform brightness throughout the regions thereof.
  • the power unit 160 may apply the voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , and VE to the second electrode 120 differentially and on a different time basis.
  • the power unit 160 applies the voltage V 1 to the central electrode unit 121 corresponding to the center of the first electrode 110 where the voltage drop occurs most for a longer period of time than the voltages V 2 , V 3 , and V 4 applied to the peripheral electrode unit 122 , applies the voltage V 2 to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V 1 , applies the voltage V 3 to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V 2 , and applies the voltage V 4 to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V 3 .
  • periods of time taken to apply the voltages V 1 , V 2 , V 3 , and V 4 are differentially controlled, thereby securing more uniform brightness of the organic light emitting device 100
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described.
  • the organic light emitting device 200 includes a substrate 201 , a first electrode (not shown), an intermediate layer (not shown), a second electrode 220 , and the power unit 160 .
  • the second electrode 220 includes a central electrode unit 221 and a peripheral electrode unit 222 .
  • the peripheral electrode unit 222 includes a first peripheral electrode unit 223 , a second peripheral electrode unit 224 , and a third peripheral electrode unit 225 .
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, that is, organic light emitting device 200 may include one or more than three peripheral electrode units 222 .
  • Electrode voltage application units 211 are connected to the first electrode (not shown) to apply a voltage to the first electrode (not shown).
  • the electrode voltage application units 211 are electrically connected to the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160 via electric wires. Although one of the electrode voltage application units 211 and the first terminal unit 165 are connected to each other in FIG. 9 , the four electrode voltage application units 111 are connected to side surfaces of the first terminal unit 165 .
  • the power unit 160 applies an identical voltage to the four electrode voltage application units 211 .
  • the second electrode voltage application structure 230 is connected to the second electrode 220 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 220 .
  • the second electrode voltage application structure 230 includes a central electrode unit voltage application unit 231 , a first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 233 , and a second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 234 , and a third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 235 .
  • the second electrode voltage application structure 230 is connected to the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160 . That is, the central electrode unit voltage application unit 231 is electrically connected to the central connection terminal unit 161 , the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 233 is electrically connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 , the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 234 is electrically connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 , and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 235 is electrically connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 .
  • Edges of the central electrode unit 221 of the second electrode 220 have curved lines. Also, edges of the first peripheral electrode unit 223 have curved lines.
  • a single boundary line between the central electrode unit 221 and the first peripheral electrode unit 223 may be formed as a curved line.
  • boundary lines of the second peripheral electrode unit 224 may also be formed as curved lines.
  • the organic light emitting device can readily secure a uniform brightness characteristic and enhance light-emitting efficiency.

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Abstract

An organic light emitting device includes a first electrode formed over a substrate; an intermediate layer that is formed over the first electrode and includes an organic light emitting layer; a second electrode that includes a central electrode unit disposed in a central region and a peripheral electrode unit disposed in a peripheral region, the intermediate layer being disposed between the first and second electrodes; and a power unit configured to apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode. The power unit is configured to apply different voltages to the first electrode, the central electrode unit, and the peripheral electrode unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0047462, filed on May 19, 2011, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field
The present disclosure relates to/an organic light emitting device, and more particularly, to an organic light emitting device that provides uniform brightness.
2. Description of the Related Art
An organic light emitting device generates a visible light from an organic material disposed between two electrodes when a voltage is applied to the electrodes. The organic light emitting device is an emissive device and has Various advantages.
Recent studies have been conducted using the organic light emitting devices for illumination purposes besides using the devices in conventional display apparatus.
An organic light emitting device generates visible light having relatively uniform brightness when the organic light emitting device having a small area is formed. However, when an organic light emitting device having a large area is formed, the brightness characteristic of the organic light emitting device differs from region to region. Therefore, there is a limit to securing a uniform brightness characteristic of the organic light emitting device.
SUMMARY
One aspect of the present invention provides an organic light emitting device that can readily secure a uniform brightness characteristic.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an organic light emitting device including: a first electrode formed over a substrate; an intermediate layer that is formed over the first electrode and comprises an organic light emitting layer; a second electrode that comprises a central electrode unit disposed in a central region and a peripheral electrode unit separated from the central electrode unit and disposed in a peripheral region, wherein the intermediate layer is disposed between the first and second electrodes; and a power unit configured to apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the power unit is configured to apply different voltages to the first electrode, the central electrode unit, and the peripheral electrode unit.
The power unit may be configured to individually control the voltages applied to the central electrode unit and the peripheral electrode unit and further configured to apply different voltages to the central electrode unit and the peripheral electrode unit.
The power unit may apply the voltage to the peripheral electrode unit before applying the voltage to the central electrode unit.
The first electrode may be formed as a single body.
The first electrode may be connected to electrode voltage application units and a voltage may be applied to edges of the first electrode.
The electrode voltage application units may be formed on the edges of the first electrode, respectively.
The power unit may be connected to the electrode voltage application units and configured to apply the voltage to the first electrode.
Edges of the central electrode unit may have curved portions.
The center of the first electrode may coincide with the center of the central electrode unit.
The center of the central electrode unit may coincide with the center of the peripheral electrode unit.
The organic light emitting device may further include an electrode voltage application unit formed to apply a voltage to the second electrode, wherein the first electrode comprises a recess portion recessed from a side of the first electrode, and the recess portion is formed to overlap the electrode voltage application unit.
The second electrode further may include at least an additional peripheral electrode unit separated from the peripheral unit, the peripheral electrode unit is disposed to surround the central electrode unit, and the at least an additional peripheral electrode units is disposed to surround the peripheral electrode unit disposed to surround the central electrode unit.
The power unit may be connected to the electrode units and configured to individually apply voltages to the electrode units.
When a first one of the electrode units is disposed farther from the center of the second electrode than a second one of the electrode units, the voltage applied to the first electrode unit may be higher than that applied to the second electrode unit.
The power unit may be configured to differentially control periods of time of application of the voltages to the electrode units.
The power unit may be configured to apply the voltage to the central electrode unit for a longer period of time than the peripheral electrode unit.
When a first one of the electrode units is disposed closer to the center of the second electrode than a second one of the electrode units, the period of time of application of the voltage to the first electrode unit is longer than that of the second electrode unit.
The centers of the electrode units may be formed to coincide with each other.
Edges of at least some of the electrode units may have curved portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a first electrode of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a second electrode of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic drawings showing voltage differences in regions of the first and second electrodes when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes of the organic light emitting device of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 7 and 8 are graphs showing voltages applied to the first electrode and the second electrode by using a power unit; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the invention are shown.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a first electrode 110 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a second electrode 120 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the organic light emitting device 100 includes a substrate 101, the first electrode 110, an intermediate layer 140, the second electrode 120, and a power unit 160. The second electrode 120 includes a central electrode unit 121 and a peripheral electrode unit 122.
Now, each of the members will be practically described.
The substrate 101 may be formed of a transparent glass material that includes SiO2 as the main component. The substrate 101 according to the current embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be formed of a plastic material. The plastic material that can be used to form the substrate 101 may be an organic material selected from the group consisting of polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethyelenen napthalate (PEN), polyethyeleneterepthalate PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate, polyimide, poly carbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
The first electrode 110 is formed on the substrate 101. Although not shown, a buffer layer (not shown) may be formed between the substrate 101 and the first electrode 110. The buffer layer provides a planarized surface on the substrate 101 and inhibits moisture and foreign materials from penetrating into the substrate 101. The buffer layer may be formed of an insulating material.
The first electrode 110 is an anode electrode and may be formed of various conductive materials. For example, the first electrode 110 may include indium tin oxide (ITO).
For convenience of explanation, the first electrode 110 is more practically depicted in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the first electrode 110 is not divided by a plurality of regions but is formed as one body. The first electrode 110 has a shape similar to a square. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first electrode 110 may have a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, or a circular shape. The first electrode 110 includes a groove shaped recessed portion 110 a on a surface thereof. That is, the recessed portion 110 a is a region where a voltage is not applied when the voltage is applied to the first electrode 110, and thus, a visible light is not generated from the intermediate layer 140 corresponding to the recessed portion 110 a.
A first electrode voltage application structure includes at least an electrode voltage application unit 111 which is connected to the power unit 160 and is formed in the first electrode 110 to apply a voltage to the first electrode 110. The first electrode voltage application unit 111 and the power unit 160 are electrically connected to each other via electric wires. Four electrode voltage application units 111 may be formed in side edges of the first electrode 110 as shown in FIG. 1. Although one of the electrode voltage application units 111 and a first terminal unit 165 are illustrated to be connected to each other in FIG. 1, each of the four electrode voltage application units 111 is connected to the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160 via an electric wire. An identical voltage is applied to the four electrode voltage application units 111 by using the power unit 160. The number of the electrode voltage application units 111 is not limited to four, and may be one or more. The electrode voltage application unit 111 is connected to the first terminal unit 165 such that a common voltage is applied thereto.
When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 110, a relatively low voltage may be applied to the center P of the first electrode 110 due to a voltage drop (IR drop) because the center P is the farthest point from the electrode voltage application units 111. That is, since the voltage is applied from the sides of the first electrode 110 that is formed as a single body having a large area, a voltage which is relatively lower than that applied to regions adjacent to the electrode voltage application units 111 is applied to the center P located remotely from the sides.
In particular, when the first electrode 110 is formed of a material having a low electrical conductivity like ITO, the voltage drop may further occur, and thus, a voltage that is applied to the center P may be apparently lower than that applied to the side regions adjacent to the electrode voltage application units 111.
The intermediate layer 140 is formed on the first electrode 110. The intermediate layer 140 includes an organic light emitting layer (not shown) that emits visible light when a voltage is applied through the first and second electrodes 110 and 120. The intermediate layer 140 may facilitate the transmission of charges, and for the effective generation of visible light, may include at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL) or a plurality of layers.
The second electrode 120 is formed on the intermediate layer 140. For convenience of explanation, the second electrode 120 is more practically depicted in FIG. 3. A second electrode voltage application structure 130 is connected to the second electrode 120 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 120.
The second electrode 120 includes the central electrode unit 121 and the peripheral electrode unit 122. The peripheral electrode unit 122 includes a first peripheral electrode unit 123, a second peripheral electrode unit 124, and a third peripheral electrode unit 125. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and, the peripheral electrode unit 122 may be one or more than three.
The second electrode voltage application structure 130 includes a central electrode unit voltage application unit 131, a first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133, a second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134, and a third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135.
The central electrode unit 121 is disposed in the center of the second electrode 120. The center P of the second electrode 120 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121. The center P of the second electrode 120 and the center P of the first electrode 110 are the same point.
In order to apply a voltage to the central electrode unit 121, the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 extends to reach a lower side of the central electrode unit 121 and is connected to the central electrode unit 121. The central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the power unit 160.
More specifically, the power unit 160 may include a second terminal structure 167 connected to the second electrode voltage application structure 130. The second terminal structure 167 may include a plurality of connection terminal units 161, 162, 163, and 164 for a one-to-one connection with the second electrode 120. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the second electrode 120 includes the central electrode unit 121 and the peripheral electrode unit 122 that includes the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125. Thus, the second terminal structure 167 may include the central connection terminal unit 161 connected to the central electrode unit 121, and a peripheral connection terminal unit 166 connected to the peripheral electrode unit 122. The central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the central connection terminal unit 161 of the power unit 160 such that the voltage is applied to the first electrode unit 121 by using the power unit 160.
The first peripheral electrode unit 123 is disposed peripherally to the central electrode unit 121 to surround the central electrode unit 121. Also, the first peripheral electrode unit 123 is separated from the central electrode unit 121 and the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131.
In order to apply a voltage to the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 extends to reach a lower side of the first peripheral electrode unit 123 and is connected to the first peripheral electrode unit 123. The first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is electrically connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 of the power unit 160. The first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131.
Also, the center P of the first peripheral electrode unit 123 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121.
The second peripheral electrode unit 124 is disposed peripherally to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 to surround the first peripheral electrode unit 123. The second peripheral electrode unit 124 is separated from the first peripheral electrode unit 123 and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133. Of course, the second peripheral electrode unit 124 is separated from the central electrode unit 121 and the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131.
In order to apply a voltage to the second peripheral electrode unit 124, the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 extends to reach a lower side of the second peripheral electrode unit 124 and is connected to the second peripheral electrode unit 124. The second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is electrically connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 of the power unit 160. The second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133.
The center P of the second peripheral electrode unit 124 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121.
The third peripheral electrode unit 125 is disposed peripherally to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 to surround the second peripheral electrode unit 124. The third peripheral electrode unit 125 is separated from the second peripheral electrode unit 124 and the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134. Of course, the third peripheral electrode unit 125 is separated from the central electrode unit 121, the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, and the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133.
In order to apply a voltage to the third peripheral electrode unit 125, the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 extends to reach a lower side of the third peripheral electrode unit 125 and is connected to the third peripheral electrode unit 125. The third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is electrically connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 of the power unit 160. The third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is separated from the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133, and the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134.
Also, the center P of the third peripheral electrode unit 125 coincides with the center P of the central electrode unit 121.
Through the above configuration, the power unit 160 may individually control voltages applied to the central electrode unit 121, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125. Also, voltages different from each other may be applied to the central electrode unit 121, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125. For example, the power unit 160 may sequentially apply increasing voltages to the central electrode unit 121, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125, which will be described later.
As described above, the first electrode 110 has the recessed portion 110 a. The recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133, the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134, and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135. That is, the recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the second electrode voltage application structure 130 that applies a voltage to the second electrode 120.
A sealing member 150 protects the first electrode 110, the intermediate layer 140, and the second electrode 120 from external moisture or oxygen. The sealing member 150 may be formed of various materials, and more practically, may be formed of a glass material or a plastic material. Also, even though the sealing member 150 is depicted to contact the second electrode 120, the sealing member 150 may be separated from the second electrode 120.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic drawings showing voltage differences in regions of the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 110 and 120 of the organic light emitting device 100 of FIG. 1.
That is, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an operation of the organic light emitting device 100 to generate a visible light from the intermediate layer 140 by applying voltages to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120.
Referring to the drawing on the top side in FIG. 5, voltages applied to each of the regions are depicted. More specifically, the power unit 160 applies voltages V1, V2, V3, and V4, respectively, to the central electrode unit 121, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125. At this point, values of the V1, V2, V3, and V4 are V4>V3>V2>V1. The central electrode unit voltage application unit 131 is connected to the central connection terminal unit 161, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133 is connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162, the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134 is connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163, and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135 is connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 so that the power unit 160 applies different voltages to the regions 121, 123, 124, and 125 of the second electrode 120.
Referring to the drawing on the bottom side in FIG. 5, voltages applied to each of the regions are depicted. More specifically, voltages VA, VB, VC, and VD are respectively applied to the central region of the first electrode 110, that is, a region corresponding to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120, a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the first peripheral electrode unit 123, a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and a region of the first electrode 110 that corresponds to the third peripheral electrode unit 125.
As described above, since the first electrode 110 is formed as one body, basically a uniform voltage may be applied to the entire region of the first electrode 110 when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 110. This is particularly important since the electrode voltage application units 111 are disposed on edges of the first electrode 110. However, in practice, since the area of the first electrode 110 is too large, a voltage drop (IR drop) occurs. Specifically, when a first portion of the first electrode is disposed farther from the electrode voltage application units 111 of the first electrode 110 than a second portion of the first electrode, the voltage drop at the first portion is greater than that at the second portion, and thus, the value of voltage at the first portion is smaller than that at the second portion.
As a result, although a uniform voltage is applied to the electrode voltage application units 111 through a single power source, the levels of the voltages being applied to each of the regions of the first electrode 110 may vary, that is, the values of the voltages are in the order of VD>VC>VB>VA. At this point, since the first electrode 110 includes ITO having a relatively high resistance instead of a metal having a relatively low resistance, the voltage drop in each of the regions of the first electrode 110 may more severely occur, and accordingly, the voltage difference between VA and VD may be apparently increased.
FIG. 6 shows voltage differences between regions of the first electrode 110 and regions of the second electrode 120 corresponding to the regions of the first electrode 110.
More specifically, a voltage difference between a voltage V1 applied to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VA applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ΔVIA; a voltage difference between a voltage V2 applied to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VB applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ΔV2B; a voltage difference between a voltage V3 applied to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VC applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ΔV3C; and a voltage difference between a voltage V4 applied to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120 and a voltage VD applied to a region of the first electrode 110 corresponding to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120 is defined as ΔV4D.
In one embodiment, the voltage differences ΔV1A, ΔV2B, ΔV3C, and ΔV4D are controlled to be substantially equal to each other. In another embodiment, the voltage differences ΔV1A, ΔV2B, ΔV3C, and ΔV4D are controlled such that difference between two among the voltage differences ΔV1A, ΔV2B, ΔV3C, and ΔV4D is smaller than a predetermined value.
That is, as described above, since the voltages VA, VB, VC, and VD applied to the first electrode 110 are sequentially increased, voltages V1, V2, V3, and V4 applied to the regions of the second electrode 120 are also controlled to be sequentially increased.
In an example of an organic light emitting device, when an organic light emitting device is used as an illumination device, the area of a first electrode increases, and the voltage drop problem also increases. Therefore, it is not easy to secure a uniform brightness on an entire region of the organic light emitting device. Also, in order to address the voltage drop problem, an auxiliary electrode is additionally formed on the first electrode. However, problems of process complexity, process failure, increase in costs, and increase in the process time occur as well.
However, in the organic light emitting device 100, according to embodiments of the present invention, although a voltage drop occurs in the first electrode 110, since different voltages are respectively applied to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120, the first peripheral electrode unit 123, the second peripheral electrode unit 124, and the third peripheral electrode unit 125, a uniform voltage drop between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can be maintained over the entire region of the organic light emitting device 100.
Through the above method, it is possible to secure a uniform brightness over the entire region of the organic light emitting device 100. As a result, it is possible to readily manufacture an illumination device having a high brightness characteristic.
Also, in the current embodiment, the recessed portion 110 a is formed to correspond to the second electrode voltage application structure 130. That is, different voltages are respectively applied to the central electrode unit voltage application unit 131, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 133, the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 134, and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 135, and thus, an abnormal light emission phenomenon occurs at a position corresponding to the second electrode voltage application structure 130. However, in the current embodiment, a voltage is not applied to the recessed portion 110 a through the first electrode 110 since the recessed portion 110 a is formed in the first electrode 110. Therefore, light emission does not occur from the intermediate layer 140, and as a result, an abnormal light emission is fundamentally blocked.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are graphs showing voltages applied to the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 by using the power unit 160. The voltages V1, V2, V3, and V4 are outputs from the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160, and the voltage VE is an output from the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160.
Referring to FIG. 7, the first terminal unit 165 and the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160 output the voltages V1, V2, V3, V4, and VE. More specifically, the power unit 160 may output the voltage VE in the first terminal unit 165 and apply the voltage VE to the first electrode 110. The voltage VE may be, for example, 7V.
The power unit 160 outputs the voltage V1 in the central connection terminal unit 161 and applies the voltage V1 to the central electrode unit 121 of the second electrode 120. The voltage V1 may be, for example, −3V. The power unit 160 outputs the voltage V2 in the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162 and applies the voltage V2 to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 of the second electrode 120. The voltage V2 may be, for example, −2V. The power unit 160 outputs the voltage V3 in the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163 and applies the voltage V3 to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 of the second electrode 120. The voltage V3 may be, for example, −1V. The power unit 160 outputs the voltage V4 in the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164 and applies the voltage V4 to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 of the second electrode 120. The voltage V4 may be, for example, 0V.
As described above, the power unit 160 may apply the voltages V1, V2, V3, V4, and VE to the second electrode 120 and the first electrode 110 simultaneously. Although a voltage drop may occur in the first electrode 110, since the differential voltages V1, V2, V3, V4, and VE are applied to the second electrode 120, the organic light emitting device 100 can secure uniform brightness throughout the regions thereof.
Referring to FIG. 8, the power unit 160 may apply the voltages V1, V2, V3, V4, and VE to the second electrode 120 differentially and on a different time basis. In more detail, in some embodiments, the power unit 160 applies the voltage V1 to the central electrode unit 121 corresponding to the center of the first electrode 110 where the voltage drop occurs most for a longer period of time than the voltages V2, V3, and V4 applied to the peripheral electrode unit 122, applies the voltage V2 to the first peripheral electrode unit 123 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V1, applies the voltage V3 to the second peripheral electrode unit 124 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V2, and applies the voltage V4 to the third peripheral electrode unit 125 for a shorter period of time than the voltage V3. As such, periods of time taken to apply the voltages V1, V2, V3, and V4 are differentially controlled, thereby securing more uniform brightness of the organic light emitting device 100.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of an organic light emitting device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described.
The organic light emitting device 200 includes a substrate 201, a first electrode (not shown), an intermediate layer (not shown), a second electrode 220, and the power unit 160. The second electrode 220 includes a central electrode unit 221 and a peripheral electrode unit 222. The peripheral electrode unit 222 includes a first peripheral electrode unit 223, a second peripheral electrode unit 224, and a third peripheral electrode unit 225. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, that is, organic light emitting device 200 may include one or more than three peripheral electrode units 222.
Four electrode voltage application units 211 are connected to the first electrode (not shown) to apply a voltage to the first electrode (not shown). The electrode voltage application units 211 are electrically connected to the first terminal unit 165 of the power unit 160 via electric wires. Although one of the electrode voltage application units 211 and the first terminal unit 165 are connected to each other in FIG. 9, the four electrode voltage application units 111 are connected to side surfaces of the first terminal unit 165. The power unit 160 applies an identical voltage to the four electrode voltage application units 211.
The second electrode voltage application structure 230 is connected to the second electrode 220 to apply a voltage to the second electrode 220. The second electrode voltage application structure 230 includes a central electrode unit voltage application unit 231, a first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 233, and a second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 234, and a third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 235.
The second electrode voltage application structure 230 is connected to the second terminal structure 167 of the power unit 160. That is, the central electrode unit voltage application unit 231 is electrically connected to the central connection terminal unit 161, the first peripheral electrode voltage application unit 233 is electrically connected to the first peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 162, the second peripheral electrode voltage application unit 234 is electrically connected to the second peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 163, and the third peripheral electrode voltage application unit 235 is electrically connected to the third peripheral electrode connection terminal unit 164.
Edges of the central electrode unit 221 of the second electrode 220 have curved lines. Also, edges of the first peripheral electrode unit 223 have curved lines.
When a voltage is applied to the first electrode (not shown) through the electrode voltage application units 211, as described above, a voltage drop strongly occurs in each region of the first electrode formed as one body. That is, the values of voltages applied towards the center P from regions adjacent to the electrode voltage application units 211 of the first electrode are gradually reduced. Also, at this time, due to the voltage drop, boundary lines between the regions of the first electrode where the voltage is different may be curved. That is, a boundary line between the central electrode unit 221 of the second electrode 220 and the first peripheral electrode unit 223 may be formed as a curved line to effectively reflect the voltage drop of the first electrode.
However, the current embodiment is not limited thereto, that is, a single boundary line between the central electrode unit 221 and the first peripheral electrode unit 223 may be formed as a curved line. Also, boundary lines of the second peripheral electrode unit 224 may also be formed as curved lines.
The organic light emitting device according to embodiments of the present invention can readily secure a uniform brightness characteristic and enhance light-emitting efficiency.
While embodiments of the present invention have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (19)

What is claimed is:
1. An organic light emitting device comprising:
a first electrode formed over a substrate which has a major surface;
a second electrode that comprises a central electrode unit disposed in a central region and a peripheral electrode unit separated from the central electrode unit and disposed in a peripheral region when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the major surface, wherein the peripheral electrode unit surrounds the central electrode unit when viewed in the direction;
an intermediate layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the intermediate layer comprising an organic light emitting layer; and
a power unit configured to apply voltages to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the power unit is configured to apply different voltages respectively to the first electrode, the central electrode unit, and the peripheral electrode unit that surrounds the central electrode unit when viewed in the direction.
2. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the power unit is configured to individually control the voltages applied to the central electrode unit and the peripheral electrode unit.
3. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the power unit is configured to apply the voltage to the peripheral electrode unit before applying the voltage to the central electrode unit.
4. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is formed as a single body.
5. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is connected to electrode voltage application units and a voltage is applied to edges of the first electrode.
6. The organic light emitting device of claim 5, wherein the electrode voltage application units are formed on the edges of the first electrode, respectively.
7. The organic light emitting device of claim 5, wherein the power unit is connected to the electrode voltage application units and configured to apply the voltage to the first electrode.
8. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the central electrode unit comprises at least an edge which comprises a curved portion.
9. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the center of the first electrode coincides with the center of the central electrode unit.
10. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the center of the central electrode unit coincides with the center of the peripheral electrode unit.
11. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, further comprising electrode voltage application units formed to apply voltages to the second electrode,
wherein the first electrode comprises a recess portion recessed from an edge of the first electrode, and the recess portion is formed to overlap the electrode voltage application units.
12. The organic light emitting device of claim 1, wherein the second electrode further comprises an additional peripheral electrode unit separate from the peripheral electrode unit,
and wherein the additional peripheral electrode unit surrounds the peripheral electrode unit when viewed in the direction.
13. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein the power unit is configured to apply different voltages to the peripheral electrode unit and the additional peripheral electrode unit.
14. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein voltage applied to the additional peripheral electrode unit is higher than voltage applied to the peripheral electrode unit.
15. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein the power unit is configured to respectively control voltage application periods for the central electrode units, the peripheral electrode unit and the additional peripheral electrode unit.
16. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein the power unit configured to apply voltage to the central electrode unit for a longer period of time than the peripheral electrode unit.
17. The organic light emitting device of claim 15, wherein voltage application period to the peripheral electrode unit is longer than that of the additional peripheral electrode unit.
18. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein centers of the central electrode units, the peripheral electrode unit and the additional peripheral electrode unit coincide with each other.
19. The organic light emitting device of claim 12, wherein edges of an electrode units comprises a curved portions.
US13/444,680 2011-05-19 2012-04-11 Organic light emitting device Active 2034-05-26 US9167657B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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